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Verbeek to play two strikers against Korea

Qantas Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek has indicated a shift in his starting eleven selection, with a Josh Kennedy and Scott McDonald front pairing being considered for the match against Korea Republic on September 5.

Qantas Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek has indicated a shift in his starting eleven selection, with a Josh Kennedy and Scott McDonald front pairing being considered for the match against Korea Republic on September 5.

Verbeek has usually played with only one out and out striker and supported by attacking midfielders or wingers, but the Dutchmen told the media from Holland that he may go with the two strikers, with Kennedy back after missing the game against Republic of Ireland two weeks ago.

Another pairing that Verbeek is keen to see back together is that of Jason Culina and Vincenzo Grella in central midfield.

Culina, along with Shane Stefanutto, are the only two players from the Hyundai A-League picked in the 24-man squad, with Verbeek saying both are likely to start with Stefanutto to play at left back.

Verbeek said that only players that would start the match were called up from Australian clubs, who have a full round of matches, as opposed the European leagues who have the weekend off due to World Cup qualifying matches.

However the absence of two-goal Ireland hero Tim Cahill, due to a foot injury, has opened up the prospect of the McDonald and Kennedy pairing, which many people are eager to see.

Both McDonald and Kennedy have been in good goal scoring form of late, although Kennedy has missed Nagoya Grampus Eight-s last two matches due to injury, but is expected to be back this week.

McDonald scored on the weekend and plays against Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

"Scotty is okay, he is playing a lot of games,” Verbeek said from Holland. “He scored a good goal last Sunday and I'm curious about the game tonight against Arsenal. It will be difficult for them (Celtic) of course.

"But Scotty is always willing to come over and to be with the national team. Now that Timmy is not here, it is a good possibility to start him together with Josh Kennedy, as strikers.

"Instead of three strikers, we play with four strikers,” Verbeek joked.

Verbeek had no hesitation in recalling Gold Coast United star Jason Culina for the match and is keen to see him alongside regular midfield partner Vincenzo Grella.

While Stefanutto will start because Verbeek wants to have another look at him, Verbeek said that Culina was a key member of his starting eleven and wants to see him alongside Grella once again.

“I want to have him on the field together with Vince Grella; I want to go back to the central midfield players we-ve had many times before and I want to see them together.”

Verbeek said he decided against selecting Cahill because of a foot injury, which has restricted his play in the last few weeks and believes the rest will help and he believes he has the players to cover his absence.

He was also not worried by the continuing saga of Lucas Neill-s immediate playing future and the fact he has not signed a contract with a club, just nine months out from the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa.

“I will start to get worried when he is not playing games in April and May. Then we have a problem.

"He's a free transfer player, waiting for the right moment to sign the right deal with the right club. There's nothing wrong with that.

“That's the reason why he is not with the group, as he is preparing himself to be ready to go and do a medical test when he does sign for a club and start training," he said.